The City of Burbank has taken a decisive step toward protecting its residents by enacting the Mandatory Soft-Story Seismic Retrofit Ordinance, effective January 10, 2025. This ordinance addresses a critical vulnerability in older multi-family residential buildings that could face catastrophic damage during earthquakes. If you own a wood-framed apartment building or multi-unit residential property in Burbank built before 1978, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the burbank soft story retrofit requirements, compliance timelines, financial incentives, and how to navigate the process successfully.
Understanding Soft-Story Buildings: Why This Matters
Before diving into the ordinance specifics, it's essential to understand what makes soft-story buildings particularly vulnerable during seismic events.
What is a Soft-Story Building?
A soft-story building is a wood-framed structure with two or more stories where the first floor has significantly less structural resistance compared to the floors above. These buildings typically feature:
- Large openings along the building perimeter – Garage doors, tuck-under parking areas, or extensive window openings that reduce wall strength
- Wood-frame construction – Built with traditional wood framing methods common before modern seismic codes
- Pre-1978 construction – Built under building code standards enacted prior to January 1, 1978, before California's stringent seismic requirements
- Residential occupancy – Multi-family residential buildings including apartments, condominiums, and townhouses
Why Are Soft-Story Buildings Dangerous?
During an earthquake, the ground motion causes buildings to sway. In soft-story buildings, the weaker first floor cannot adequately resist these lateral forces. This creates a "weak story" mechanism where the first floor collapses while upper floors remain relatively intact. This type of failure has been documented in numerous earthquakes. The Burbank soft story ordinance aims to prevent such catastrophic failures by requiring property owners to strengthen these vulnerable buildings.
The Burbank Soft-Story Retrofit Ordinance: Key Provisions
The ordinance applies to specific buildings within Burbank city limits and establishes clear criteria for determining which properties must comply.
Which Buildings Are Covered?
Your building falls under the Burbank soft story seismic retrofit ordinance if it meets ALL of the following criteria:
- Wood-framed construction with two or more stories above grade
- Built before January 1, 1978 under pre-modern seismic building code standards
- Contains a soft story – A first floor with large openings along the perimeter (garage openings, tuck-under parking, or similar features)
- Residential occupancy – Multi-family residential buildings including apartments, condominiums, and similar structures
The City of Burbank has identified potentially affected properties and sent notification letters to property owners. If you're unsure whether your building is covered, you must submit a screening form to the Building & Safety Division.
What Does the Ordinance Require?
The primary objective of the Burbank soft story program is to enhance public safety by requiring seismic retrofitting that strengthens the vulnerable first floor. Retrofitting typically involves:
- Installing steel moment frames or shear walls to increase lateral resistance
- Strengthening existing structural connections between floors and foundation
- Adding plywood sheathing to existing walls to improve shear capacity
- Reinforcing foundation elements to ensure adequate load transfer
All retrofit work must be designed by a licensed engineer and approved by the City of Burbank Building & Safety Division.
Compliance Timeline: Critical Deadlines You Cannot Miss
The ordinance establishes a phased compliance schedule with specific deadlines. Missing these deadlines can result in penalties, fines, and legal complications.
Phase 1: Submit Screening Form – By January 12, 2026
What you must do:
- Complete and submit the official screening form to the Building & Safety Division
- Post the required "Notice of Order" sign at the property in a visible location
- Notify all tenants about the seismic vulnerability and upcoming retrofit requirements
This initial phase determines whether your building definitively falls under the ordinance. The screening form evaluates your building's construction date, structural system, and first-floor configuration.
Phase 2: Submit Retrofit Plans – By January 11, 2027
What you must do:
- Hire a structural engineer experienced in soft story retrofit Burbank CA projects
- Develop complete engineered retrofit drawings that comply with the ordinance requirements
- Submit the retrofit plans to the Building & Safety Division for review
Your structural engineer will conduct a thorough assessment of your building, develop a retrofit strategy, and prepare detailed construction documents. This is a critical phase that requires careful planning and coordination.
Phase 3: Secure Plan Approval – By January 10, 2028
What you must do:
- Work with the Building & Safety Division to address any plan review comments
- Obtain official approval of your retrofit plans
- Ensure all engineering calculations and details meet city requirements
The plan review process typically involves multiple rounds of review and revision. Starting early gives you adequate time to address any issues that arise.
Phase 4: Obtain Permit and Commence Construction – By January 10, 2029
What you must do:
- Apply for and obtain a building permit for the retrofit work
- Hire a licensed contractor experienced in seismic retrofitting
- Begin construction work on the approved retrofit
- Coordinate with tenants to minimize disruption during construction
Once you have permit approval, you must commence construction by this deadline. Delays at this stage can jeopardize your compliance status.
Phase 5: Complete Construction – By January 10, 2030
What you must do:
- Complete all retrofit construction work according to approved plans
- Pass all required inspections by the Building & Safety Division
- Obtain final approval and certificate of completion
This is the final deadline for full compliance. Your building must be fully retrofitted and approved by this date to avoid penalties.
Financial Incentives: Significant Permit Fee Refunds Available
To encourage early compliance and reduce the financial burden on property owners, the City of Burbank offers substantial permit fee refunds for those who complete their retrofits ahead of schedule.
100% Permit Fee Refund – Complete by July 10, 2026
Property owners who achieve full compliance (complete construction and obtain final approval) by July 10, 2026, are eligible for a 100% refund of all permit fees.
What this means:
- Complete refund of plan review fees, permit fees, and inspection fees
- Significant cost savings that can offset engineering and construction expenses
- Recognition as an early adopter committed to tenant safety
This aggressive timeline requires immediate action. You would need to complete screening, engineering, plan approval, permitting, construction, and final inspection within approximately 18 months of the ordinance effective date.
50% Permit Fee Refund – Complete by January 10, 2028
Property owners who achieve full compliance by January 10, 2028, are eligible for a 50% refund of all permit fees.
What this means:
- Half of your permit-related costs refunded upon completion
- More realistic timeline while still providing financial incentive
- Three years from ordinance effective date to complete the entire process
This timeline aligns with the Phase 3 deadline (plan approval), meaning you would need to move quickly from approval to construction completion.
How to Qualify for Refunds
To receive either refund:
- You must complete all phases of the retrofit process by the specified deadline
- Your project must pass final inspection and receive certificate of completion
- You must submit a refund application to the Building & Safety Division
- All work must comply with approved plans and ordinance requirements
These incentives represent a significant opportunity to reduce the overall cost of compliance. Working with experienced professionals who understand the Burbank soft story retrofit engineering requirements is essential to meeting these aggressive timelines.
Tenant Notifications and Cost Pass-Through Provisions
The ordinance includes specific requirements for tenant communication and allows property owners to recover retrofit costs through a structured rent pass-through mechanism.
Required Tenant Notifications
Property owners must provide written notification to all tenants if:
- The property has been identified as seismically vulnerable under the ordinance
- The property is scheduled for earthquake retrofitting work
- Construction activities will impact tenant occupancy or access
Notifications must be clear, timely, and include information about the retrofit timeline and any temporary disruptions.
Consequences of Non-Compliance: What Happens If You Don't Comply?
Failure to comply with the Burbank soft story ordinance carries serious consequences that extend beyond simple fines.
Legal Penalties and Fines
- Administrative citations with escalating fines for each missed deadline
- Daily penalties that accumulate until compliance is achieved
- Legal action by the City of Burbank to compel compliance
- Liens against the property to recover enforcement costs
Increased Liability Exposure
- Personal liability if tenants are injured or killed in an earthquake due to building collapse
- Negligence claims based on failure to comply with mandatory safety ordinance
- Insurance complications – carriers may deny claims or cancel policies for non-compliant buildings
Property Value and Marketability Impact
- Decreased property value due to non-compliance status and retrofit obligations
- Difficulty selling – buyers will demand significant price reductions or refuse to purchase
- Financing challenges – lenders may refuse to finance non-compliant properties
- Disclosure requirements – non-compliance must be disclosed to potential buyers and tenants
Benefits of Compliance
Conversely, compliance with the ordinance provides significant benefits:
- Enhanced tenant safety and reduced risk of catastrophic earthquake damage
- Increased property value – retrofitted buildings command premium prices
- Insurance advantages – potential premium reductions and better coverage terms
- Legal protection – demonstrates due diligence and commitment to safety
- Community contribution – helps make Burbank more resilient to seismic events
ProStruct Engineering: Your Expert Partner for Burbank Soft-Story Retrofit Engineering
Navigating the Burbank soft story seismic retrofit ordinance requires expertise, experience, and a deep understanding of California's unique seismic challenges. This is where ProStruct Engineering becomes your invaluable partner.
Enter ProStruct Engineering!
At ProStruct Engineering, we represent ourselves as a leading firm in the corridor of structural engineering and seismic retrofitting. A level of professionalism, extensive experience, disciplined approach, and unmatched precision are some of our core characteristics that clients admire. With over 35 years of experience and more than 3,000 residential projects completed, we have the expertise to guide you through every phase of the Burbank soft story program with confidence and efficiency.
Why Choose ProStruct Engineering for Your Burbank Soft-Story Retrofit?
- Deep California Seismic Expertise – Our seasoned professionals understand California building codes, seismic design requirements, and the specific provisions of the Burbank soft-story ordinance, ensuring your retrofit is compliant and optimized for maximum structural performance.
- Proven Track Record with Soft-Story Retrofits – With numerous successful soft story retrofit Burbank CA projects completed throughout California, we deliver efficient project execution with fewer surprises during construction.
- Comprehensive Assessment and Custom Solutions – We conduct thorough structural assessments and develop tailored retrofit solutions that minimize tenant disruption while maximizing structural performance and cost-effectiveness.
- Streamlined Permitting and City Coordination – Our established relationships with Burbank's Building & Safety Division accelerate plan approval and help you meet compliance timelines, potentially qualifying you for permit fee refunds.
- Transparent, Fixed Pricing – We provide clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees, allowing you to budget accurately for your entire retrofit project.
- Fast Turnaround Times – Our efficient processes enable us to complete assessments, design work, and plan preparation faster than typical engineering firms, helping you meet critical compliance deadlines.
- Construction Administration Support – We provide ongoing construction administration services, coordinating with contractors and building inspectors to ensure your retrofit is built according to approved plans.
Our Burbank Soft-Story Retrofit Process
When you partner with ProStruct Engineering for your Burbank soft story retrofit engineering needs, here's what you can expect:
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Screening
We review your property information, help you complete the screening form, and determine whether your building falls under the ordinance.
Step 2: Comprehensive Structural Assessment
Our expert structural engineers conduct a detailed site visit to evaluate your building's structural system, identify vulnerabilities, and document existing conditions.
Step 3: Retrofit Design Development
We develop cost-effective retrofit solutions tailored to your building's specific needs, considering structural requirements, architectural constraints, tenant impacts, and budget considerations.
Step 4: Engineering Calculations and Plan Preparation
We prepare complete engineered retrofit drawings, structural calculations, and specifications that comply with the Burbank ordinance and California building codes.
Step 5: Plan Submittal and City Coordination
We help you submit your retrofit plans to the Burbank Building & Safety Division and coordinate the review process, responding to comments and questions to secure plan approval.
Step 6: Construction Support
We provide construction administration services, including contractor coordination, site observations, and inspection support to ensure successful project completion.
Step 7: Final Approval and Documentation
We coordinate final inspections and help you obtain the certificate of completion, ensuring you meet all compliance requirements and qualify for any applicable permit fee refunds.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Burbank Soft-Story Retrofit Ordinance
Q) How do I know if my building is subject to the Burbank soft-story ordinance?
If you own a wood-framed multi-family residential building with two or more stories built before January 1, 1978, with a soft first story (garage openings, tuck-under parking), it likely falls under the ordinance. Submit a screening form to the Building & Safety Division by January 12, 2026, to confirm.
Q) How much does a soft-story retrofit typically cost?
Typical costs range from $20,000 to $150,000 or more for multi-unit buildings, depending on building size, configuration, and extent of strengthening required. Contact ProStruct Engineering for a preliminary cost estimate after a structural assessment.
Q) Can I continue to rent my units during the retrofit construction?
Yes, in most cases. Soft-story retrofits are typically designed to be completed while buildings remain occupied, though tenants may experience temporary disruptions during phased construction work.
Q) What happens if I sell my property before completing the retrofit?
The retrofit obligation transfers to the new owner, and you must disclose compliance status to buyers. Non-compliance will significantly impact property marketability and value, so many sellers complete the retrofit before listing.
Q) Will my insurance rates decrease after completing the retrofit?
Many insurance carriers offer premium discounts for seismically retrofitted buildings due to lower earthquake damage risk. Contact your provider after completion with documentation to inquire about available discounts.
Q) Can I apply for grants or low-interest loans to help pay for the retrofit?
Yes, various financing programs may be available including low-interest loans, PACE financing, or grant programs. Check with the City of Burbank, California Earthquake Authority, and local financial institutions about retrofit financing options.
Q) How long does the entire retrofit process typically take from start to finish?
The timeline varies based on project complexity and how quickly you move through each phase. For a typical soft-story retrofit in Burbank:
- Screening and assessment: 1-2 months
- Engineering design and plan preparation: 2-4 months
- Plan review and approval: 2-4 months
- Permitting: 1-2 months
- Construction: 2-6 months
- Final inspection and approval: 1 month
Taking Action: Your Next Steps
The Burbank Soft-Story Retrofit Ordinance represents a significant undertaking for property owners, but it's also an opportunity to protect your investment, enhance tenant safety, and contribute to a more resilient community.
Immediate Actions You Should Take
- Verify your building's status – Determine whether your property falls under the ordinance by reviewing the criteria or contacting the Burbank Building & Safety Division
- Submit the screening form – Complete and submit the required screening form by January 12, 2026, to officially determine compliance requirements
- Engage a qualified structural engineer – Partner with an experienced firm like ProStruct Engineering to conduct a structural assessment and develop a retrofit strategy
- Understand your timeline – Review the compliance deadlines and determine whether you can pursue early completion to qualify for permit fee refunds
- Budget for the project – Obtain preliminary cost estimates for engineering, permitting, and construction to plan your finances
- Communicate with tenants – Provide required notifications and begin discussing the retrofit timeline and any potential impacts
- Explore financing options – Research available grants, loans, or financing programs to help fund the retrofit
Resources and Support
- City of Burbank Soft-Story Program: Visit www.burbankca.gov/web/community-development/soft-story for official information, forms, and guidance
- ProStruct Engineering: Contact us for a complimentary consultation to discuss your specific building and retrofit needs
- California Earthquake Authority: Explore earthquake insurance and risk reduction resources at www.earthquakeauthority.com
Conclusion
The Burbank Soft-Story Retrofit Ordinance is a critical public safety initiative protecting residents from earthquake-induced building collapse. Understanding the compliance timeline and financial incentives is essential for successful compliance, with generous permit fee refunds incentivizing early action.
ProStruct Engineering brings vast industry experience to handle your burbank soft story retrofit with utmost proficiency. Whether pursuing aggressive timelines for maximum refunds or following the standard schedule, we exhibit professionalism for all Burbank soft story seismic retrofit requirements in California.
Don't wait – the earlier you begin, the more options you have for managing costs and qualifying for incentives. Contact ProStruct Engineering today to schedule your consultation and protect your property, tenants, and investment. Let us guide you through every step of the Burbank soft story program with expertise and commitment.